Jeremiah 23:16

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, Hearken {H8085} not unto the words {H1697} of the prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} unto you: they make you vain {H1891}: they speak {H1696} a vision {H2377} of their own heart {H3820}, and not out of the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: "Don't listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are making you act foolishly, telling you visions from their own minds and not from the mouth of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they teach you vanity; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:16 delivers a solemn divine warning from the LORD of hosts, cautioning the people of Judah against heeding the deceptive messages of false prophets. These self-proclaimed messengers, prevalent during a time of national crisis and spiritual decline, offered comforting but ultimately empty assurances. The verse exposes the origin of their prophecies not as divine revelation, but as mere fabrications stemming from their own human imagination and desires, leading the people into futility rather than truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's extensive prophetic ministry, specifically in a section (Jeremiah 23:9-40) dedicated to the condemnation of false prophets in Judah. Jeremiah's own ministry was characterized by difficult, unpopular messages of impending judgment and exile due to Judah's persistent sin and idolatry. In stark contrast, numerous other prophets offered optimistic pronouncements of peace and prosperity, directly contradicting Jeremiah's warnings. This created a profound spiritual dilemma for the people, making it challenging to discern God's authentic voice amidst a cacophony of conflicting claims. The immediate verses preceding this passage (Jeremiah 23:9-15) detail the moral corruption and spiritual depravity of these false prophets, describing them as defiling the land and leading the people astray. Jeremiah 23:16 serves as a direct command to the people, urging them to reject these deceptive voices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the rising threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. King Josiah's reforms had provided a brief spiritual revival, but after his death, subsequent kings and the populace largely reverted to idolatry and social injustice. In this climate, prophecy was a recognized, though often abused, institution. True prophets served as God's spokespersons, delivering His word to the nation. However, many individuals claimed prophetic authority without divine commission, often aligning their messages with popular sentiment or political expediency. These false prophets exploited the people's desire for comfort and security, promising deliverance from Babylon and continued national prosperity, even as judgment loomed. The phrase "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) would have resonated powerfully, reminding the audience of God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly and heavenly armies, underscoring the gravity of His command.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is the **authenticity of divine revelation** versus human invention. The verse draws a sharp distinction between messages originating "out of the mouth of the LORD" and those stemming from "a vision of their own heart," emphasizing that true prophecy is divinely inspired and authoritative, while false prophecy is self-generated and deceptive. This directly relates to the theme of **spiritual discernment**, as God commands His people to "Hearken not" to these false messages, placing the onus on the audience to critically evaluate what they hear. This discernment is crucial for navigating spiritual truth, as seen in later warnings about false teachers in the New Testament, such as those found in [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets and Their Fruits"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **consequences of false teaching**, stating that these prophets "make you vain." This implies leading people into emptiness, delusion, and ultimately spiritual futility, reinforcing the idea that messages not rooted in God's truth offer no genuine benefit or lasting hope, a concept echoed in [Lamentations 2:14](/lamentations/2-14 "Lamentations 2:14 - False Prophets' Deceptions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vain (Hebrew, _hâbal'_):** From H1891, meaning "to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray; be (become, make) vain." In this context, the false prophets' words are not merely incorrect; they actively lead the people into emptiness, delusion, and worthlessness. Their messages offer no true substance, spiritual nourishment, or genuine hope, ultimately proving futile and destructive to those who believe them.
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From H2377, meaning "a sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle; vision." While "vision" typically refers to a divinely granted prophetic insight, Jeremiah uses it here to expose the fraudulent nature of the false prophets' claims. By attributing it to "their own heart," he subverts the term, indicating that what they present as divine revelation is, in fact, a product of their human imagination, desires, or even deliberate fabrication, lacking any true divine encounter or commission.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, meaning "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." In this verse, "heart" signifies the internal, human origin of the false prophecies. It points to the prophets' own thoughts, emotions, desires, and uninspired intellect as the source of their messages, in stark contrast to the external, divine origin of true prophecy that comes "out of the mouth of the LORD."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts,"**: This opening phrase serves as a powerful declaration of divine authority. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, His control over all heavenly and earthly powers, and His absolute right to command and judge. This introduction immediately establishes the gravity and undeniable truth of the warning that follows, contrasting it with the hollow claims of the false prophets.
* **"Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you:"**: This is an imperative command from God, directly addressing the people. "Hearken not" (from H8085, *shâmaʻ*) means to refuse to listen intelligently, to disobey, or to disregard. The "words" (H1697, *dâbâr*) of these "proph-ets" (H5030, *nâbîyʼ*) who "prophesy" (H5012, *nâbâʼ*) are explicitly identified as dangerous and to be rejected, highlighting the critical need for discernment.
* **"they make you vain:"**: This clause explains the detrimental effect of heeding the false prophets. The Hebrew word for "vain" (H1891, *hâbal*) implies leading into emptiness, futility, or worthlessness. The false messages do not provide genuine guidance, spiritual strength, or true hope; instead, they lead the people into a state of delusion and ultimately prove to be empty promises that will not materialize, leaving the people disillusioned and without true divine direction.
* **"they speak a vision of their own heart,"**: This phrase exposes the true source of the false prophecies. The "vision" (H2377, *châzôwn*), which should be a divine revelation, is here revealed to originate from "their own heart" (H3820, *lêb*). This signifies that the messages are products of human imagination, personal desires, uninspired intellect, or even deliberate fabrication, rather than genuine divine communication. It underscores the self-generated and unholy nature of their pronouncements.
* **"and not out of the mouth of the LORD."**: This final clause provides the ultimate criterion for distinguishing true prophecy from false. It directly contrasts the human origin of the false messages with the divine origin of true revelation. "Out of the mouth of the LORD" (H6310, *peh*, referring to God's direct speech, H3068, *Yᵉhôvâh*) signifies that authentic prophecy is God-breathed, authoritative, and perfectly aligned with His character and will. The absence of this divine source renders the false prophets' words null and void.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting up a clear dichotomy between the false prophets' messages originating from "a vision of their own heart" and true prophecy coming "out of the mouth of the LORD." This stark opposition highlights the fundamental difference in source and authority. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" functions as an **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and divine backing to the subsequent warning, emphasizing that this is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but God's direct command. The command "Hearken not" is an **Imperative**, a direct and forceful instruction that demands immediate obedience and underscores the danger of disobedience. Furthermore, the phrase "make you vain" serves as a form of **Consequence Statement**, vividly illustrating the spiritual emptiness and futility that results from following false teachings. Finally, the use of "mouth of the LORD" is a **Metonymy**, where a physical part (mouth) stands for the divine communication itself, emphasizing the direct, unmediated nature of God's true word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:16 stands as a foundational text regarding the nature of divine revelation and the critical importance of spiritual discernment. It underscores that God's word is distinct, pure, and originates solely from Him, contrasting sharply with human-generated messages, however comforting or popular they may be. The warning against being "made vain" by false prophecy highlights the spiritual barrenness and ultimate destruction that results from embracing untruths, emphasizing that true spiritual nourishment and guidance come only from God's authentic voice. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that the integrity of the message is directly tied to the authority and purity of its source, calling believers to a vigilant and discerning posture toward all claims of spiritual truth.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing the Prophet")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an era saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, Jeremiah 23:16 remains profoundly relevant, urging believers to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment. We are called not to passively consume every message presented as divine truth, but to actively "hearken not" to anything that does not genuinely originate from the "mouth of the LORD." This requires a deep familiarity with God's revealed Word, the Bible, which serves as the ultimate standard for truth. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we develop a spiritual ear attuned to God's voice and a keen sensitivity to anything that deviates from His character and revealed will. This discernment protects us from the "vain" promises and empty assurances of those who speak from "their own heart," leading us instead to the true and lasting hope found only in God's unfailing word. It challenges us to prioritize truth over comfort, biblical fidelity over popular opinion, and genuine divine revelation over human invention, ensuring our spiritual foundation remains solid.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does familiarity with the Bible help you discern between true and false spiritual messages in today's world?**
* **What are some common "visions of their own heart" that people present as spiritual truth today, and how can they "make you vain"?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "hearken" to comforting but ultimately empty messages instead of the sometimes challenging truth from God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is highly significant. It emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty and power. "Hosts" refers to armies, both earthly and heavenly, signifying God's command over all creation and His omnipotence. In the context of Jeremiah 23:16, it underscores that the warning against false prophets comes from the ultimate authority, the all-powerful God, making the command to "hearken not" incredibly weighty and non-negotiable. It contrasts God's absolute truth and power with the feeble and deceptive words of human-centered prophets.

**How can one discern between a true prophet and a false prophet according to Scripture?**

Answer: Scripture provides several criteria for discerning true prophets from false ones. Firstly, a true prophet's words must come to pass (see [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - The Test of a Prophet")). Secondly, a true prophet will never lead people away from God or encourage the worship of other gods, even if their prophecies come true (see [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing Prophets Who Lead Astray")). Thirdly, their message must align with God's previously revealed word and character (e.g., [Isaiah 8:20](/isaiah/8-20 "Isaiah 8:20 - To the Law and to the Testimony")). Fourthly, their fruit or character should be consistent with righteous living, as Jesus taught, "By their fruits you will know them" ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets and Their Fruits")). Finally, the New Testament encourages believers to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:16, with its stark warning against false prophets and its emphasis on the authentic "mouth of the LORD," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Prophet, the very Word of God made flesh, through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation (see [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Unlike the false prophets who spoke "a vision of their own heart," Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father (as in [John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words") and [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Me")). He perfectly embodies the truth that comes "out of the mouth of the LORD," for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, the discernment problem is solved: we are called to "hearken" to Him, for His words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")), leading not to emptiness or vanity, but to eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing His Word and Believing")). He is the true shepherd whose voice His sheep know and follow, while they flee from the voice of strangers ([John 10:4-5](/john/10-4 "John 10:4-5 - The Shepherd's Voice")). Thus, Jeremiah's warning ultimately points us to the one true Prophet and the very embodiment of God's infallible word.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 14:14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Ezekiel 13:6

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.

Galatians 1:8

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:9

As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Jeremiah 27:9

Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:

Jeremiah 27:10

For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.

Ezekiel 13:3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!